168 Letter from Nancy McGehee
Thoughts on Being an Academic Administrator
I’ve created a video recording of the following and posted it on YouTube in case that’s more your cup of tea:
As I wrap up a seven-year stretch as Department Head for the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, it occurred to me that I should share, in a straightforward and no-nonsense way, a few things I’ve learned. No fuss, no frills, no catchy phrases, just the plain and simple truth from my perspective. Some items are practical, some are more philosophical. All are in no particular order; which means please no assumptions that the first item is most important and the last is least. Here goes:
Always remember that for all of us academics, 99% of the world would change places with us in a heartbeat. We have the greatest job on earth, whether it’s as a faculty member, administrator, researcher, or even – gasp – graduate student!
From the start, I set out to be more like Payton Manning and less like Brett Favre (American Football reference); Payton Manning stepped away from the NFL before his athleticism started to fail but after he had reached his goals. Brett Favre retired and returned several times, long after his abilities had faltered. I had goals I wanted to reach, people I wanted to help, but I didn’t want to stay so long that either folks began to resent me or vice versa.
Have a good boss. If you are recruited for a position, or are thinking about administration, you must be able to communicate with your higher ups.
Speaking of your boss: have a coat of armor handy because one of your main jobs will be to get resources for your people. Fight for budget, fight for salaries, fight for grad student support.
Network, network, network! You never know when a quick call to that person you met at a happy hour or during a university-wide meeting will go so much easier just because you can put a face with a name.
Create a vision statement and a community values document with your team. Then put it on your desktop, tape it to the wall in your office, make it your ring tone, whatever it takes to remind you of it every single day.
Have a to do list. Assign a deadline date to each item. It’s basic but crucial.
My friend and colleague Professor Candice Clemmons once told me: “treat everyone the same, and that’s uniquely.” You need to learn about folks and what motivates them, what sparks their passion. If a faculty member loves teaching undergrads, reward them with resources that help them focus their energies that way. Got a research faculty member who churns out the top tier manuscripts? Support them as much as you can with grad students and other resources. Make them all feel like they are your “favorite” (just like my Mom used to do). If you aren’t sure what sparks their passion, ask!
Be an ally, have allies. Be a mentor, have mentors – you need a stable full, a personal board of directors, not just one mentor. Amplify each other, especially with your